CO129-563-11 Sino-Japanese War- political situation 17-8-1937 - 8-3-1938 — Page 47

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19·8 ·37·

Colo.

D.M

F.O.

A.M.

RECEIVED

18 AUG 1937

C. O. REGY

COPY FOR REGISTRATION

PARAPURAOM TELEGRAM from the officer Administering the

2.

Government of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for the

Colonies.

46

EAD

Dated 17th August, 1937, Received 1.42 p.m., 17th August.

GARZALES, ADR 1200

No.144.

Secret.

1. Your telegram No.131. Secret.

Total evacuation of Japanese from Canton yesterday

has improved local situation, Swatow is similarly affected,

Hong Kong less directly. All possible precautions have

been taken here to avoll recurrence of 1931 disturbances.

So far population is unlistybed and Japanese mix freely

in the streets. Ambassador has suggested unrestricted

passage be allowed for munitions via Canton but I have thought it advisable to insist on Nanking Fuchao authenti-

cated by Embassy for every individual consignment.

officials urge linking of road systems and provision of rolling stock for Hankoʻr Railway and continue to talk of

blockade but I am adopting Tabian tactics. It seems to

me unthinkable that with no nationals to protect Japan

will interfere with South China and with the internal

Canton

communications as at present Hong Kong can hardly be a

serious embarrassment as a base of supplies. I venture 3 the opinion that the Foreign office print F/14 86-34/10 of the

16th March 1936 still represents Japanese aspirations and

that Shanghai adventure is as unwelcome to them now as in

1932,

ваного

.!